Rewards Program Profile: American Airlines AAdvantage Program

Every airline has a rewards program with the same basic premise: Fly with us, earn miles (or points), and eventually, earn free trips or upgrades. Here, let's take a look at the basics of the AAdvantage program from American Airlines and the perks it offers.

How miles/points are accruedThe AAdvantage program offers one mile for every mile flown. (Easy, huh?) Generally, a one-way in the contiguous United States begins at 12,500 miles for economy class but refundable fairs can be 20,000-25,000 miles. Upgrades from one class to another can be as low as 5,000 miles (when you've purchased a full-fare ticket), but for discounted economy fairs, upgrades begin at 15,000 miles, plus a $75 fee.

Members can also accrue miles with American Airlines partners, such as hotels, car rental agencies, cruise companies, and vacation packages. AAdvantage also partners with other retailers as well.

PerksWhen you use miles to book award travel at the AAnytime level (refundable, beginning at 20,000 miles one way), travelers get free access to preferred seating and priority access, which includes expedited check-in, exclusive security lanes, and priority boarding.

Connections with other airlinesBecause of American's OneWorld alliance, you can use your AAdvantange award to book travel on the following airlines (although at a higher mileage rate than booking your award miles directly on an American flight):

airberlin

Alaska Airlines

British Airways

Finnair

Hawaiian Airlines

Qantas

Royal Jordanian Airlines

US Airways

US Airways recently merged with American Airlines, and for now, the AAdvantage program and the Dividend Miles program (the loyalty program from US Airways) are operating separately. The programs will be combined sometime in 2015.

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Amanda E. Snyder is a freelance writer and English instructor who has written about Chicago nightlife for more than six years. She has traveled four continents (so far), and spent very little doing it. Got a tip or a comment? Reach her at AmandaESnyder@yahoo.com.